MCE NEWS ARTICLE - 2018

Dunlop to make Suzuki switch

Michael Dunlop will ride the new GSX-R1000R in 2017, remaining with the Hawk Racing squad for another year.

The Ballymoney racer will compete at the 2017 NW200, IOMTT as well as the MCE Insurance Ulster Grand Prix on Suzuki machinery, all with factory support from the Suzuki Yoshimura racing arm.

Dunlop will get a chance to push his new ride to the limits at the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship next month, competing in the opening round at Donington Park before he heads to compete on the roads and subsequently try to add to his 13 Isle of Man TT wins.

Dunlop said: 'I was chatting with Steve [Hicken - team manager] for a while, and obviously we've worked together a lot before. With the new bike coming it's been a bit different and we had to gather up exactly what was happening. We just needed to see what was going to be able to happen and to see where we were both going to be at this time.

'I know Steve and I know Stuart though, as people, and I know they can take a new bike and get it right. This is a good team and there's a good link with Yoshimura. It's going to be interesting this year. I've been helping the team build my own bikes and it'll be good to have a run around at Mallory for a shakedown before we go to Spain.'

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